Nigeria’s title defence got off to a difficult beginning after the Super Falcons were beaten 3-2 by tournament debutants, the Scorchers of Malawi, in a result that marked the first time Nigeria had lost to a debutant at the WAFCON finals.
The setback has left the nine-time African champions under pressure ahead of their next Group C encounter against Zambia’s Copper Queens, where a victory is crucial to keeping their knockout-stage hopes alive.
Zambia currently lead the group on goal difference after recording an emphatic 6-0 victory over Egypt’s Cleopatras in their opening fixture.
Despite the disappointing result against Malawi, Udeze described the defeat as a valuable warning for the Nigerian team and expressed confidence that the players would respond positively in their next game.
“This is a lesson and I hope they’ve learnt their lesson and I believe they will bounce back against Zambia,” Udeze told Brila FM.
The former defender added that the experience could serve as a turning point for the Super Falcons as they seek to defend their continental title and restore confidence among supporters.